“One Bad Apple can spoil the barrel.” Just as in any other group, planning commissions can have their share of Bad Apples, whose unaddressed behavior can range from a breach of basic courtesy to violations of ethics and, in extreme situations, even criminal actions.

Planning commissioners and elected officials often need have awkward and difficult discussions about land use issues. It is essential that decision makers candidly express their thoughts and ideas to planning staff.

Have you ever bemoaned the fact that high school students don’t know much about how local government works or the importance of planning for the community’s future? Consider adding a high school student to your planning commission. Lessons from three communities.

“Territory folks should stick together, Territory folks should all be pals,” said Rodgers & Hammerstein in Oklahoma. How well do your planning commissioners, city councilors, and other city boards — like Territory folks — stick and work together?

We asked seven individuals who have served both as professional and citizen planners to reply to a series of short questions. Today, they explain what got them interested in serving on their community’s planning commission.

How can a commission chair encourage shy members to speak up? They may be newcomers to the board reluctant to express an opinion; genuinely deep thinkers who need to know all the facts before saying anything; or disinterested or bored individuals.